In a bizarre yet alarming incident, a wild elephant entered a government school compound in Bordol, Samaguri, damaged property, and consumed rice meant for the mid-day meal scheme.
The incident took place late Thursday night and has raised serious questions about the growing human-elephant conflict in Assam’s rural areas.
Elephant Breaks Into School Compound at Night
According to local residents, the wild elephant strayed into the Bordol LP School campus in search of food. Additionally, it damaged the back door of the kitchen and accessed the storage room, where rice meant for the school’s mid-day meal was kept.
“The animal must have smelled the stored grains and smashed through the kitchen area. It devoured almost all the rice bags,” said a school staff member.
Villagers Scare the Elephant Away
Hearing the noise, nearby villagers rushed to the school premises. After nearly an hour of banging utensils and flashing torches, they managed to drive the elephant away.
“We were scared it might come towards the houses next. Moreover, we somehow drove it into the nearby forest,” said a resident of Bordol village.
Though no injuries were reported, the damage to school property was considerable. Desks, walls, and a section of the kitchen were broken in the process.
Education Officials Assess the Damage
Local education department officials visited the school on Friday morning to assess the damage. An urgent report has been submitted to the district administration seeking compensation and quick repairs so that classes can resume safely.
“The school will remain shut for the next two days. We are arranging temporary facilities for the students while repair work begins,” said a Block Education Officer.
Mid-Day Meal Scheme Disrupted
Due to the destruction of food supplies, the mid-day meal service at the school has been suspended temporarily. Further, education department officials assured that fresh rice and rations will be delivered soon.
Local NGOs have stepped in to offer temporary support by providing cooked meals for students from nearby schools.
Rising Incidents of Human-Elephant Conflict
This is not the first time wild elephants have entered human settlements in Nagaon district. Forest officials say frequent destruction of elephant corridors due to urbanization and deforestation is pushing these animals into villages.
“Encroachment into forest land and lack of food in the wild force elephants to venture into populated areas. The issue needs long-term planning,” said a forest ranger from Samaguri range.
According to forest department data, Assam recorded over 150 cases of human-elephant conflict in the past year alone.
Forest Department to Deploy Rapid Response Team
In response to the incident, the Assam Forest Department has promised to deploy a rapid response team in the area. Also, the team will monitor elephant movement using drones and coordinate with local villagers for timely alerts.
“We are considering setting up solar-powered fencing and watch posts around schools and key village spots,” said a forest official.
Residents Demand Permanent Measures
Villagers have urged the government to build protective fencing around schools and houses close to forested areas. They also want local elephant corridors mapped and preserved to prevent future attacks.
“If we don’t act now, next time it may lead to loss of life,” warned a resident.
Call to Action for Policy Support
The incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for coordinated action between the Forest Department, Education Department, and local administration.
Preventing human-wildlife conflict must become a state priority to ensure the safety of rural communities.